Big Ten Preview: Week Nine

Here's your B1G appetizers for your Penn State evening entree.

Rutgers @ #16 Nebraska

When: Saturday, 12pm ET ESPN2

Line: Nebraska -20

Over/Under: 60

Big Ten Powerhouse Rutgers hit a small, minute, itsy bitsy, teeny tiny, insignificant speed bump on their way to dominating the B1G last week in Columbus. Realistically, the Scarlet Knights are probably staring at (maybe?) one more win the rest of the way on their conference slate, unless they can pull out a victory on the road against an unsuspecting squad. Nebraska doesn't look like that team. A good Gary Nova may keep this one slightly closer, but the Huskers should coast this week.

Maryland @ Wisconsin

When: Saturday, 12pm ET BTN

Line: Wisconsin -10.5

Over/Under: 56.5

If C.J. Brown can stay healthy, this game looks to be the most competitive B1G match-up this week. Wisconsin will continue to throw rock and Maryland isn't in much shape to stop them, but looks to keep up on the scoreboard. If the Terps can force the Badgers to pass, this game gets far more intriguing. If C.J. Brown gets knocked out of the game for any stretch of time again this week, Wisconsin will put the game out of reach pretty quickly. Jim Delany certainly didn't do the new guys any favors for their inaugural seasons with where they're being sent to play their conference road games.

Minnesota @ Illinois

When: Saturday, 12pm ET ESPNU

Line: Minnesota -5.5

Over/Under: 55.5

Illinois is breaking out some pretty sweet alternate uniforms to honor the "Gray Ghost" Red Grange. In the true spirit of Illini football, they're also doing so in celebrating a historic loss. Minnesota eked out a victory last week against Purdue, a team that had turned its season around against this same Illinois squad. With most coaches, I would expect them to steal a victory before they're shown the door, I don't have that feeling with Tim Beckman, look for Gophers to return to form this week.

Michigan @ #8 Michigan State

When: Saturday, 3:30pm ET ABC

Line: Michigan State -17

Over/Under: 48.5

"Little Brother" looks to continue beating on their counterparts this weekend. Mark Dantonio has flipped this relationship on its head since taking over as head coach of the Spartans, meanwhile outside of their defensive performance in 2012, Michigan has been shrinking away a little more every year in the same timeframe. Michigan State's defense should have little trouble corralling the Wolverines attack, while their offense will continue to put up points as the Spartans make their playoff case.